Meet the #ProudFilAm delegates from the 6th Filipino-American Young Leaders Program | Pinoy youth leadership

Meet the #ProudFilAm Delegates: Shaping the Future through the 6th Filipino-American Young Leaders Program

In a vibrant display of talent, heritage pride, and cross-border collaboration, the 6th cohort of the Filipino-American Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) has officially launched. Selected from a highly competitive pool of exceptional Filipino-Americans across diverse fields, these delegates represent the future bridge-builders, innovators, and champions of stronger U.S.-Philippines ties. Let’s meet the faces driving this impactful initiative and discover their inspiring #ProudFilAm stories.

What is FYLPRO?

FYLPRO, now in its 6th iteration, is a prestigious program designed to identify, nurture, and empower young Filipino-American leaders (typically aged 21-35) who demonstrate remarkable potential. The core mission is twofold:

Heritage Advocacy: To equip delegates with the tools and platforms to actively promote Filipino culture, history, and contributions within their communities and beyond.
Bilateral Strengthening: To cultivate a deep understanding of the Philippines and foster meaningful connections that directly contribute to strengthening the political, economic, and cultural relationship between the two nations.

Through immersive exchanges, high-level dialogues with Philippine government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives, coupled with community engagements, FYLPRO delegates gain invaluable insights and networks to amplify their impact.

Meet Delegates From the 6th Cohort: Profiles of Promise

While the full cohort is impressively diverse, here’s a glimpse into just a few of the remarkable individuals shaping this year’s journey:

Dr. Elena Reyes (Southern California – Healthcare/Policy):
- Who: A public health researcher focused on health disparities among marginalized communities.
- Why FYLPRO?: “I saw FYLPRO as a unique opportunity to move beyond research and connect my work directly to the health challenges in the Philippines. I want to build bridges between innovative US-based approaches and on-the-ground needs in the Philippines, ensuring solutions are culturally relevant and impactful for both communities.”
- #ProudFilAm Story: “My grandmother, a nurse in the Philippines, instilled in me the value of service and resilience. Being both Filipino and American, I see my unique position as a platform to honor her legacy and advocate for equitable health access, blending the best of both worlds.”
Marcus Santos (New York – Technology & Social Entrepreneurship):
- Who: Founder of a tech startup developing platforms connecting diaspora professionals with local Philippine businesses for mentorship and investment.
- Why FYLPRO?: “I need to deepen my understanding of the Philippine business ecosystem and regulatory landscape. FYLPRO is the perfect catalyst to meet key players, learn from successful entrepreneurs on the ground, and explore how diaspora capital and expertise can drive sustainable innovation back home.”
- #ProudFilAm Story: “Growing up, I was fascinated by ‘balikbayan’ boxes and the stories they carried. I saw the potential to digitalize that connection – turning remittances into meaningful investments and mentorship. FYLPRO gives me the credibility and network to make that vision a reality.”
Sophia Aquino (Chicago – Arts & Education):
- Who: An educator and performing artist incorporating traditional Filipino dance (like Bayanihan and Tinikling) into public school curricula.
- Why FYLPRO?: “I want to explore how cultural preservation can be integrated into formal education systems in the Philippines, sharing strategies I’ve developed in the US. I’m eager to learn about grassroots arts organizations and how traditional arts evolve and thrive in the Philippines today.”
- #ProudFilAm Story: “Dance was my first language to connect with my roots. When kids in my class learned basic Tinikling steps and the stories behind it, their eyes lit up. That’s the power of heritage – it’s not just history, it’s living, breathing culture. I want to help nurture that connection, both here and in the homeland.”
Carlos Borja (Texas – International Development & Agriculture):
- Who: An agricultural economist focused on sustainable farming practices and food security.
- Why FYLPRO?: “The Philippines faces significant challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, and food value chains. I want to study Philippine agricultural models, connect with local farmers and researchers, and identify opportunities for US-Philippines partnerships in technology transfer, market access, and climate-smart practices.”
- #ProudFilAm Story: “My family in Luzon are farmers. Seeing their hard work and the challenges they face firsthand, combined with my academic background, drove me to pursue this field. I see my US education and network as tools I can bring back to support them and others, strengthening agricultural resilience on both sides of the Pacific.”

The Broader Impact: Beyond the Delegates

The impact of FYLPRO extends far beyond the individual delegates. Each participant returns to their US communities equipped with:

Enhanced Advocacy: Delegates become cultural ambassadors, sharing authentic Filipino perspectives.
Business & Economic Links: They facilitate connections, investments, and partnerships.
Policy Insights: They bring back firsthand knowledge to inform US-based discussions on Philippines policy.
A Powerful Network: The FYLPRO alumni network provides lifelong support for collaborative initiatives that serve both diaspora and home communities.

Become Part of the Story: What is YOUR #ProudFilAm Story?

The 6th FYLPRO cohort embodies the dynamism and potential of the Filipino-American diaspora. Their journeys are unique, but they share a common thread of pride, purpose, and a commitment to building bridges.

Now, we want to hear from YOU!

What does being #ProudFilAm mean to you? Share your personal stories of heritage, achievement, connection, and aspiration in the comments below. How are you contributing to your community, promoting Filipino culture, or fostering better understanding between the Philippines and the United States?

Let’s celebrate our shared identity and inspire each other with the diverse and powerful narratives that make up the Filipino-American experience. Tell us your #ProudFilAm story today!